Tour Description: Ocotlan de Morelos is home to a magnificent 16 th century Domniican monastery and cloister complex. There will be a bit of time to peek into the Church. We will start our tour at the recently renovated cloister museum, which houses the works of Rudolfo Morales, who incorporated elements of magic realism into his work. One of Mexico’s greatest artists, he used his earnings to restore buildings and create cultural centers throughout the valley. Morales made sure that much of the restoration work was done by local women, who developed skills for later work. He also established a computer training center for young people.

After the museum and Church, we will see his grand mural near the market, and we will also have the rare privilege to visit Morales’ home where he had two studios. His nephew Beto will be our gracious guide. After lunch in the Ocotlan mercado, we will visit the workshop established by the blacksmith Apolinar Aguilar where they create swords, knives, and martial arts weapons and theatrical props as well as domestic utensils. Each item is hand-forged using methods that date back to the colonial period and we will see a demonstration of both forging and etching. As source materials, they use old car parts, bronze plumbing pieces, door fixtures, wood and bone, and other recycled materials. This workshop is currently the only woman-led one of its kind in the state of Oaxaca.

Additional costs: 30 pesos at the museum. A donation to the Morales Foundation has been factored into the tour fee. Cost of lunch at the mercado (estimate under 200 pesos for food and drink), any items you wish to purchase.

This tour will depart on time at 9:00 am  from Calle Los Libres behind the Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure time. Unclaimed seats may be re-sold at boarding time.

Online ticket sales end at 7 pm the day before the tour. If the tour is sold out, you can take a chance that seats may be available and come to the boarding spot 15 minutes before departure. These seats must be paid for in cash.

No Refunds will be available. If you are not able to attend the event, you are welcome to sell your reservation to others. Please notify the library of change of name for reservation.